God of All Time

Today means that we've been on the wait list for 4 months! The time has actually flown by, and we've really enjoyed these past 4 months together - seeing movies, sleeping in, keeping the wine in the wine rack on the ground, spontaneous change of plans. We recognize that every day we are closer to becoming parents so we're taking advantage of these days.

As I've been thinking about "the day" when we get our referral and then "the BIG day" when we bring our kiddos home, I've been thinking about it in terms of Finally vs. It's Time. Some days it feels like we are finally becoming parents, after nearly 3 years of trying and waiting. Yet there are an increasing number of days that I realize it will be more of the reality that it's time.

God doesn't make mistakes on timing. In fact, for years I've been quoting "the right thing at the wrong time is still the wrong thing". Predominantly, I've used it with others about the timing boyfriends, new jobs, buying a house, or whatever was wanted NOW instead of LATER. The truth of the matter is that God is a God of all time - past, present, and future. The kids that will become Diaz's will be exactly the ones who need to be in our family. It will be right for them and us. God never gives us something and says, "finally!" When he gives us what's best for us at precisely the right moment, I can only imagine heaven announcing to the universe, "IT'S TIME!"

Trust me. When we get that phone call about our babies, we will announce to the world IT'S TIME!!!! In the meantime, we are being strengthened from the inside out (ask to feel my biceps...not too bad these days).

CWA Prayer Request

Friends, we need you to pray with us on something...this is just another example of the challenges that come with adoption.
On February 15, CBS Evening News chose to air an attack against our agency in regards to their adoption practices. CWA could not defend itself against the false accusations made by adoptive parents, which were further distorted and manipulated by the CBS and a previous Australian broadcasts.

CWA has issued an updated statement regarding the CBS broadcast, which provides some answers to these unfortunate pieces of sloppy journalism. Read CWA's most statement HERE.

From our case manager: "I want to assure all our families that CWA continues to be held in high regard among the government officials in Ethiopia, and they are having nothing but good things to say about our work there. Bob and Tomilee Harding [CWA founders] have been there this past week, meeting with representatives from the top levels of government and are excited about the future of our work in Ethiopia. In a meeting with the top official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hardings were assured that they are “very pleased” with CWA. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is also writing a letter in support of CWA.

The Hardings also met with a U.S. representative from the Department of State, who was there to investigate the allegations made in the recent media broadcasts. While the DOS takes these matters quite seriously, we can assure you that after an hour’s meeting with both the US Embassy and the Hardings, Bob and Tomilee were given assurances that they were supportive of CWA."

Bob and Tomilee were also excited to report that construction of the children’s building for Acacia Village is within weeks of completion! They picked out curtains, furniture, and paint – and their description of the first building to be completed was that it is “phenomenal!” We look forward to their return and the opportunity to see new photos of the building that is designed to provide housing for up to 250 children as the Ethiopia program continues to grow."

Showing Up

One year ago today I furiously drove home from church to get news from Brian about our 3rd and final IUI cycle. It was our last medical shot at getting pregnant. I threw open our front door, butterflies flying in my belly, and ran back to find Brian. We met in the hallway. He didn't even say anything. I knew. It failed.

I collapsed to the ground in tears. Brian held me up and carried me to our bed. I don't even really remember the rest of that night. Unimaginable pain and loss. That was the worst day of my life to date. It felt like a piece of me died. And even one year later, tears are streaming down my face as I remember that moment.

Fast forward one year later and we are expectantly awaiting our referral for our 2 little ones. Our hearts have healed so much and we are full and grateful for our story. What a difference a year can make.

But what I wanted to write about today was what unfolded in the week after that devastating day. I took the week off work to grieve and rest (my body had been through so much treatment in a year). And people started showing up. I remember who showed up. My parents sent flowers. Angela showed up with homemade Korean food that she and her mom made. Daniel and Cassidy showed up on a night where I was going to be alone and brought dinner...and a bottle of wine. Ed showed up with Mexican food and sat with us for over an hour, validating our grief, sharing about Jesus' grief. Lisa showed up with the "Anne of Green Gables" series. Our small group showed up to love on us. So many others did, too, through phone calls, texts, emails, and hundreds of prayers.

I remember who showed up because it carried us through that week in ways I will never fully understand. I will be forever grateful to our friends and co-workers who showed up those days. Once again, thank you. It will make sharing our babies with you even more powerful, humbling, and overwhelming. We love you and are so grateful.